The PIT crew (as we call ourselves) had an impromptu meeting the other day. We occasionally do so, and we discuss whatever we wish. The atmosphere is always laid back and casual, lots of joking and teasing.

Our boss got a bit philosophical on us this time. He mentioned that running the tests was getting a bit routine: Bring up the system, run the test, shutdown, process the data and then do it again.

And he's right. We've been doing this for a year and a half now and we have the routine down pat. Even the issues we run into are getting a bit routine. The specific issue may be quite unique, but there are ALWAYS issues.

Debugging is often a bit routine: Process the data, look at a few files, collect a little data, get what information we can, then pass the results off to the instrument team that actually makes the fix.

I've really been thinking about that a lot this week. He's right, my boss. Things are a bit routine. And isn't that awesome?!

I work for a Mars mission, and within a year and half, I know I'm in a place that I can be happy AND succeed. I found a job I like and I'm good at. I'm only 28 years old, so I know there are a lot more challenges out there.

This experience will open up so many opportunities for me. And I'm proving that I can not only meet, but excel, in those areas. So yes, things have become routine, but I work for a mission that is sending a spacecraft to another world.

Routine, yes. Boring? Well, what do you think?

E-mail this entry to a friend